Chicago, IL — March 6, 2020-Anew GoFundMe campaigncould revive parts of the historic Chicago Brauhaus at a new location - and mend the hearts that broke when it closed its doors in December 2017. The DANK Haus German-American Cultural Center is asking fans of this iconicestablishmentto help raise $50,000 to remodel the space where it will go which will be just a stone’s throw away from its original home. The funds will be used to install remnants of the Brauhaus’ interior and make much-needed upgrades to a room that already serves countless community groups year round.

DANK Haus was gifted much of the interior of the storied restaurant by owners Guenter and Harry Kempf. They plan to remodel the 2nd floor Brandenburg Room of the DANK Haus – and rename it the Brauhaus Room – to accommodate the original bar and many of the architectural elements of the restaurant. Donations will be necessary to preserve this German Chicago legacy.

If all goes as planned, you'll also be able to enjoy a stein and a pretzel in a space resembling the old Chicago Brauhaus bar.Blueprints of the new construction will have guests walking through the original front doors and into the past. From thechandeliers to the signature bar upholstered with red leather and wood veneer, guests at the new Brauhaus Room will be able to reminisce and make new memories at the same time.

The DANK Haus preserves and promotes German-American culture and language through exhibitions and diverse social events. The newly proposed BrauhausRoom is the building’s busiest space and is in great need of repair. The room currently supports clubs and organizations from the Chicagoland area including the Boy Scouts, the US Census Bureau, the German American Police Association and countless community meetings hosted by local officials, to name a few.

“Restoring thisquintessential Lincoln Square establishment is truly an exciting opportunity for the DANK Haus to pay homage to the German American experience in Chicago,”saysExecutive Director Monica Jirak.“It will preserve the legacy of the Kempfs, as well as provide a more accessible and inviting environment to the thousands of guests and community members who already use it.”

The original beloved bar closedafter more than five decades in Lincoln Square. All proceeds from the GoFundMe campaign will support upgrades at the DANK Haus so the project can move forward. For more information or to donate to the project, visit dankhaus.com/brauhaus.

KEY DETAILS:

Deadline: June 30, 2020

Goal: $50,000

Location:2nd floor Brandenburg Room

DANK Haus German American Cultural Center

4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60625

DANK Haus German American Cultural Center:

The DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization committed to preserving and promoting German and German American culture, heritage, and language through maintaining a language school, museum, library, art gallery, and through educational and social programming. It is located in Chicago's historically German neighborhood, Lincoln Square. Core programming includes a German Language School for children and adults, rotating Fine Arts and Museum exhibits, monthly Open Haus, Kulturküche Cooking Classes, Kino, Kaffee und Kuchen, Public Event Viewing Parties, Oktoberfest and more. The DANK Haus is a core member of the Chicago Cultural Alliance – a consortium of ethnic museums, cultural centers and historical societies whose mission is to effect social change through cultural diversity.

DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.DANK Haus German American Cultural Center does not discriminate based on race, color, sexuality, national origin, sex, disability or age.